Sierra Wireless AC710 PCS GSM Wireless Network Card User Manual Part 1 of 2

Sierra Wireless Inc. PCS GSM Wireless Network Card Users Manual Part 1 of 2

Contents

Users Manual Part 1 of 2

2130135Rev BPRE-DRAFT 15/10/01AirCard® 710Wireless Network CardUser Guide
PrefaceRev. B Oct. 2001 3Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless network cards may be used at this time.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide42130135Sales Desk: phone: 1-604-232-1488hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Timee-mail: sales@sierrawireless.comTechnical Support: phone: 1-604-231-1128hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Timee-mail: support@sierrawireless.comaddress: Sierra Wireless, Inc.13811 Wireless WayRichmond, BCCanada V6V 3A4fax: 1-604-231-1109web: www.sierrawireless.com
Rev B Oct. 2001 5Table of Contents
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ContentsRev B Oct. 2001 7
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Rev B Oct. 2001 11: Introducing the AirCard® 710 Wireless Network Card• About the AirCard® 710 Wireless Network Card• A Network Card, a Modem, and a Phone• Package Contents• How To Use This Guide
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide22130135Note: Do not insert the AirCard 710 wireless network card into a PC Card slot until after you have installed the software from the AirCard 710 CD-ROM.Note: If you have more than one type of supported computer, you can move the AirCard 710 network card from one notebook PC to another at any time—as long as you have installed the proper software and drivers on each computer.Note: Every GSM network worldwide operates on one of three radio frequency bands. The AirCard 710 network card operates only in the 1900 MHz PCS band used in North America. Sierra Wireless also manufactures the AirCard 750 wireless network card, which supports all three bands and works anywhere worldwide with GSM coverage.
IntroductionRev B Oct. 2001 3Note: More information about GSM networks is available on the GSM Development Group web site, www.cdg.org.
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IntroductionRev B Oct. 2001 5
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Rev B Oct. 2001 72: Getting Started• The AirCard® 710 Software• Account Activation and Configuration• SIM Card Information• Care and Maintenance of Your AirCard 710 Wireless Network CardNote: You must run Watcher anytime you use the AirCard 710 network card.Note: Install the AirCard software from the CD before inserting the AirCard PC Card into your computer, using the instructions in the installation chapter appropriate for your computer and operating system.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide82130135Note: Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites, and their retailers usually have printed coverage maps available.
Getting StartedRev B Oct. 2001 9Note: The fee for service is usually higher when you are roaming (connecting to a network other than the one belonging to your service provider).Note: If you change GSM service providers at any time (such as if you move to a new city), you will need a new SIM card from your new service provider, and you must reactivate your AirCard 710 network card in the new location.Figure 2-1: A SIM Card (Left)
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide10 2130135Figure 2-2: Inserting the SIM Card Into the AirCard 710 SIM Card SlotFigure 2-3: A Properly Inserted SIM Card
Getting StartedRev B Oct. 2001 11Figure 2-4: Positioning a Pen to Eject the SIM CardFigure 2-5: Ejecting and Removing the SIM Card
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide12 2130135Figure 2-6: The First Screen of the Activation WizardFigure 2-7: (Left) Proper Positioning of the AirCard 710 Antenna
Getting StartedRev B Oct. 2001 13Figure 2-8: Inserting the AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card
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Rev B Oct. 2001 153: Installation on Notebook PCs• Notebook PC System Requirements• Software Installation• Driver Installation• Account Configuration• Account ConfigurationNote: You must install the software before inserting the AirCard network card into your computer, by following the detailed software and driver installation instructions in this chapter. 1. Non-Intel–compatible processors such as the Compaq Alpha are not supported, even if they run a supported operating sys-tem such as Windows NT.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide16 2130135Figure 3-1: Inserting the AirCard 710 CD to Install the SoftwareTable 3-1 :System Resource RequirementsCard Slots 1 Type II PCMCIA (PC Card) SlotCommunications Ports 1 AvailableDisk Drive CD-ROMI/O Resources 1 IRQ, 40 bytes I/O SpaceMemory 32 MBDisk Space 7 MB
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 17Figure 3-2: The AirCard 710 Installation MenuNote: Users of Windows 2000, NT, and XP must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the AirCard software.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide18 2130135Note: A driver is software that forms the interface between a device (such as the AirCard 710 network card) and the operating system on your PC (such as Windows 98). Note: Do not forcefully insert the AirCard network card into your computer, or you may damage the connector pins.Figure 3-3: Inserting the AirCard 710 Network Card
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 19Figure 3-4: Extending the AirCard 710 Antenna Until It Clicks Into PlaceFigure 3-5: Pivoting the AirCard 710 Antenna at the Hinge
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Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 21Note: Windows system files may be required to complete installation of the AirCard 710 driver. These files are located on the Windows CD and may be stored on your hard drive in .CAB files. Ensure you have your Windows CD, or know the location of the .CAB files, before proceeding.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide22 2130135Figure 3-6: Inserting the AirCard 710 Network Card
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 23Figure 3-7: Extending the AirCard 710 Antenna Until It Clicks Into PlaceFigure 3-8: Pivoting the AirCard 710 Antenna at the Hinge
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide24 2130135Note: You must re-install the Windows NT Service Pack following installation of the AirCard driver. Ensure you have your Service Pack CD before you begin. (Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a is supported.)Note: Windows system files may also be required to complete the installation. These files are located on the Windows NT CD and may also be stored as .CAB files on your hard drive. If the .CAB files are not available to you, copy the Windows NT driver from the AirCard CD to a directory on your hard drive. The Windows NT driver is located on the CD in the directory \Drivers\WinNT.Windows NT Users: Your PC must be powered off whenever you insert or eject the AirCard network card.Figure 3-9: Inserting the AirCard 710 Network CardFigure 3-10: Extending the AirCard 710 Antenna Until It Clicks Into Place
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 25Figure 3-11: Pivoting the AirCard 710 Antenna at the HingeFigure 3-12: Inserting the AirCard 710 CD to Install the Windows NT Driver
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Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 27
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide28 2130135Note: For information on obtaining a GSM wireless account from a service provider, see “Introducing the AirCard® 710 Wireless Network Card” on page 1 and “Getting Started” on page 7. In particular, consult the section “SIM Card Information” on page 9.
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 29Figure 3-13: The AirCard 710 Activation WizardNote: If you are using Windows NT, the PC must be powered off whenever you insert or eject the AirCard network card.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide30 2130135Figure 3-14: Inserting the AirCard 710 Network CardFigure 3-15: Status Area Icons, With AirCard 710 Icon Circled and PC Card Icon to Its LeftNote: If you are using Windows NT, the PC must be powered off whenever you insert or eject the AirCard network card.
Install - Notebook PCsRev B Oct. 2001 31Figure 3-16: Retracting the AirCard 710 AntennaFigure 3-17: Ejecting the AirCard 710 PC Card From Its SlotFigure 3-18: Removing the AirCard 710 PC Card From Its Slot
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Rev B Oct. 2001 334: The Watcher Window and Indicators• Launching the Watcher Program• Menus and Window Controls• Connection Displays• Taskbar Status Area Icons
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide34 2130135Figure 4-1: The Main Watcher Window
Watcher Window & IndicatorsRev B Oct. 2001 35Note: These window control boxes appear only in the notebook PC version of Watcher.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide36 2130135Table 4-1 :Connection Status Area IconsIcon MeaningThe Signal Strength indicator uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases to a maximum of five bars. When the bars are dimmed and the antenna icon is crossed out, no connection is possible for one of these reasons:the antenna is retractedyou are outside the GSM network coverage areathe signal strength is too weaka network or account problem is preventing the AirCard 710 from obtaining serviceTo improve signal strength when you know there is GSM coverage in your area, try adjusting the position of the antenna (it should be vertical), moving near a window, or otherwise changing the position of your computer so that the AirCard antenna is better positioned to receive radio signals from nearby cellular radio towers.The In Use indicator shows whether a call is in progress. Depending on the in-use state, one of these icons is displayed:When the In Use indicator is a handset, a voice call is in progress.When the In Use indicator is a modem, a circuit mode data (or fax) call is in progress (see “Dial-Up Circuit Mode Calls” on page 42).When the In Use indicator is a modem with packet indicator, a packet mode (GPRS) data call is in progress. (See “Packet Mode Connections” on page 43.)When the In Use indicator is a large “X”, the AirCard is not functioning properly and no connection is available. (Try closing Watcher and restarting your computer.)
Watcher Window & IndicatorsRev B Oct. 2001 37Note: Watcher begins timing outgoing calls from the time the call is initiated—not from the time the call is answered.The packet mode indicator shows whether GPRS packet data coverage is available in this area. Where GPRS is available, you can make packet mode (“always on”) data connections, if your billing plan allows for it. For more information, see “How Circuit Mode and Packet Mode Data Connections Differ” on page 3, and “Packet Mode Connections” on page 43.The Roaming Status indicator shows whether you are roaming onto the network of a service provider other than your own.When the indicator is off (gray), you are within the local coverage area of your service provider. When the indicator is on (solid black), you are in a “preferred” roaming area. When the indicator is blinking, you are within the coverage area of a GSM network but not in a “preferred” roaming area. Your coverage area and billing charges depend upon your service provider and the type of account you have. There may be surcharges for roaming service that vary based on whether you are in a preferred roaming area or a non-preferred roaming area. If there is no roaming agreement between your service provider and the local carrier, you may be unable to complete calls in non-preferred roaming areas.Table 4-1 :Connection Status Area IconsIcon Meaning
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide38 2130135Table 4-2 :Indicator Area IconsIcon MeaningThe SMS Message indicator shows whether you have unread text messages. If it is blinking, at least one of your unread messages is urgent.To read and respond to SMS messages, select > or click the icon. (For details, see “SMS Manager…” on page 53.)The Voice Mail indicator shows whether you have unheard voice messages. To hear the messages, you must dial your wireless service provider’s voice messaging system. Click the icon to connect to your voice messaging system. (For information, see the Options section “Voice Tab” on page 77.)The Missed Call indicator displays if you failed to answer an incoming call. To view the phone number(s) of any missed calls, click the icon to display the Call Log (see “Call Log” on page 59).The Auto-Answer indicator shows whether Watcher is set to automatically answer incoming calls. You can enable and disable this feature under > (see “Voice Tab” on page 77).
Watcher Window & IndicatorsRev B Oct. 2001 39The Headset indicator shows whether a headset is connected to the AirCard headset connector, near the antenna at the end of the AirCard 710 housing. The connector is designed to use standard 2.5mm mobile voice headsets.The Silent Ringer indicator means that no sound is played when an incoming call is received. You can enable and disable this feature under > (see “Voice Tab” on page 77) or with the Mute key when no call is underway (see “The Watcher Dial Pad” on page 46).The Privacy indicator shows whether encryption is in use on voice calls. (Encryption prevents your calls from being monitored.) Your service provider determines whether encryption is available its GSM network.The compression indicator shows whether data compression is in use. Where available (which depends on your service provider), compression can increase throughput and the effective data transmission speed.Table 4-3 :Status Area IconsIcon MeaningThere is no GSM network connection.The AirCard 710 wireless network card is connected to the GSM network.Table 4-2 :Indicator Area IconsIcon Meaning
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide40 2130135You missed (failed to answer) an incoming call. You can view the number of the caller in the Call Log (choose in Watcher).You have one or more unread SMS (text) messages. Choose > to read them.You have voice mail. Dial your voice mail system to retrieve your messages.Table 4-3 :Status Area IconsIcon Meaning
Rev B Oct. 2001 415: Data Connections Through GSM and GPRS• Dial-Up Circuit Mode Calls• Packet Mode ConnectionsNote: You cannot have a data and a voice connection at the same time. If you have a data connection when an incoming call occurs, your caller will get a busy signal or be put through to your voice mail box.Note: Depending on your billing plan, there may be a surcharge or different billing arrangement for GPRS packet mode connec-tions.Note: Although you may not be charged extra money while connected in packet mode, but not actively moving data, the AirCard network card continues to use power in that mode. For best power conservation from your computer, shut down any AirCard wireless connections if you do not need them.
AirCard 710 Wireless Network Card - User Guide42 2130135Figure 5-1: The Watcher Data TabNote: You can make a dial-up data call anywhere there is GSM voice coverage, though data speeds may be affected by radio reception and network congestion.Note: If you change the number in the field, the Connection Manager record is not changed. The next time you select the connection, the old number appears. If you want to permanently change the record, you can do so in the Connection Manager (see page 61).Figure 5-2: Call Status Area During a Data Connection
Data ConnectionsRev B Oct. 2001 43Note: Packet mode connections are only available where GSM service providers have installed the appropriate GPRS infrastructure. Not all GSM coverage areas have GPRS coverage. Contact your service provider for coverage information in your area.Note: Depending on your billing plan, there may be a surcharge or different billing system for packet mode service.
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Rev B Oct. 2001 456: GSM Voice Connections• The Dial Pad• The Scratch Pad• Making a Voice Call.Figure 6-1: Location of the AirCard 710 Headset ConnectorHeadset Connector

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